Colleen Cooley

Board Member

Colleen Cooley is originally from the communities of Shonto and Blue Gap, Arizona, located on the Navajo Nation. Colleen is Kinyaa’áanii (Towering House) born for Lók’aa’ Dine’é (Reed People). Their maternal grandfather’s clan is Tó’aheedlíinii (Water Flows Together) and their paternal grandfather’s clan is Tł’izi’łání (Manygoats). This is how Colleen identifies as a Diné (Navajo) woman.

Colleen holds a B.S. in Environmental Sciences and an MSc in Climate Science & Solutions, both from Northern Arizona University. Since 2012, they have worked at the intersection of environmental advocacy, climate justice, sustainability, youth engagement, and education and have collaborated with various nonprofits, academic institutions, and Tribal organizations to advance community-led solutions.

In between their academic studies (2008-2010), they worked in a University biology lab and participated in a Native-led river training program, co-founded by their sister Nikki Cooley. This training led them to work a full season as a raft guide on the San Juan River in southeastern Utah. For the next decade or so, they primarily rafted and visited the San Juan River with friends and family before returning as an educator for the Native Teen Guide in Training (NTGIT) program in 2021. NTGIT is an immersive river trip experience for Native teens that fosters community, connection to land and water, and leadership. Colleen’s hope is that this program and others alike can continue to empower Indigenous youth to express their true selves, to feel confident in who they are and where they come from, and to become leaders in their own communities. This is why they are excited and honored to join the Rios to Rivers' board - to continue inspiring and supporting the next generation of environmental stewards.